HOLIDAY HINTS

Tips For
Keeping Your Home And Family Safe

(NAPSI)—The holiday season is a joyous time of year for millions of
Americans across the country. Within the next month, online orders will be
made, packages will arrive on doorsteps, and families will leave town to
visit relatives or take a holiday vacation. While these may seem innocuous,
criminals may see the holiday season as a time to capitalize on gift-giving
and holiday vacations.

Daniel Barry, University
of Phoenix Las Vegas Campus
chair for security & criminal justice programs and a retired Las Vegas
Metro police captain, says Americans need to be on higher guard this time of
year when criminals can be more active. There are simple ways families can
protect themselves and their loved ones, he says.

"While the holidays are a special time for celebration and
reflection, it is important to remain alert to the fact that criminals are
aware that presents are being purchased and sent and families are leaving
their homes unattended," Barry said. "The best way to ensure your
family and your home are secure is by taking precautions to remove any openings
for criminals to exploit."

Barry provides the following security tips for a safe, merry and bright
holiday season:

1. Avoid scheduling package
deliveries when you're out of town. Going away for the holidays
means you and your home are more vulnerable to theft, particularly if
packages start piling up on your doorstep. If you're planning to be away,
consider having your packages delivered to a nearby retail store, P.O. box or
friend's house. Make sure family members know not to send presents when
you're not home.

2. Sign up for tracking numbers,
package notifications and delivery signatures. Tracking numbers and text
message or e-mail delivery notifications can help you stay up-to-date on when
your packages will arrive so you'll know if something has happened to them.
Similarly, opting to require signatures on your packages will ensure that
packages aren't delivered unless someone is home.

3. Set holiday lights on a timer.
If you're heading out for a long night of holiday parties, protect your home
from possible invasion by creating the appearance that someone is still
there. Have your holiday lights on a timer and keep a TV on in your living
room. If your family isn't keen on holiday decorations, consider putting
lamps near windows on timers instead.

4. Put a video security system on
your holiday wish list. Video security systems are the best option for
defending your home while you're away or even inside. Ask your friends and
family to consider gifting you the latest system, but be sure to suggest one
with a corresponding mobile app.

5. Do not place empty boxes or
packaging on the curb or outside your home. This is an unknowing way of
advertising to thieves that you have a new computer, television or gaming
station in your home. Always destroy your boxes and place in a garbage bag
for pickup.

If you're interested in taking the next step to learn more about a
criminal justice degree, University
of Phoenix offers
degrees and certificates that focus on security, public administration and
criminal justice that teach the necessary hard and soft skills to pursue a
career in criminal justice. Students learn how to make a difference in their
communities, protect people and contribute to improving society.